PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such disorders.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and higher initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral eye condition, alcohol dependence, left shoulder dislocation, and PTSD. The appeal for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD with depression, is currently rated at 50 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied because the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

Service connection is granted for nerve impairment of the right elbow and an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, but only on a limited basis.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression. The Veteran's new evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD and depression, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for headaches and PTSD due to insufficient evidence regarding their impact on his work and daily life, as well as inconsistencies in the medical records. The Veteran will need to provide pay statements documenting sick leave use and private treatment records from his providers.

The Veteran's PTSD, sleep apnea, keloids, and headaches were not found to be related to service or service-connected conditions. The claims for these disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have contributed substantially to his death from coronary artery disease.,However, the VA examiner concluded that the PTSD did not cause the coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, and his TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective February 10, 2015. TDIU due to service-connected disability is granted since February 10, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and PTSD are remanded. His claim for service connection for depression under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 is also remanded. The right shoulder disability and right shoulder scar ratings are remanded as well. TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include all similar psychiatric disorders and has ordered a VA examination to determine if any of these conditions, including PTSD, are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral hand disability, hypertension, PTSD, sleep apnea, colon cancer, and gastrointestinal disability are remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The current ratings for PTSD and hypertension remain unchanged.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.,The claim for service connection for burns of the head and face is reopened, but further development is needed to determine its merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, particularly his PTSD. The Veteran is asked to provide information about any treatment and to have stressor verification conducted by JSSRC. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for right and left foot disorders, a right knee disorder, a right ankle disorder, and right and left hip disorders are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be directly related to his reported in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The initial rating for PTSD, unspecified psychotic disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder prior to July 12, 2017 was denied. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 15, 2017 is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, Type II, and peripheral neuropathy have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.